I'm new here, but I found a posting that hits me right at home. My 18 yr old has been on meds since he was 5 yrs old for ADHD. Now he is taking risperdal, strattera & lexapro. He is more depressed than I have ever seen him & has talked about suicide. We are going back to the psychiatrist, but my son is not willing to go on any other meds or have these ones played around with. He feels that if he goes off the meds, he will probably feel better. We haven't seen him unmedicated in over 13 yrs, so maybe he really doesn't need it anymore? What does happen to someone who should not be on anti-depressants, but takes them because the dr prescribes it? I'm am so afraid of how its going to affect him; will his behavior get worse before he gets better, will he get out of control, etc. The psych wont give us a straight answer because they are all in the pockets of the drug company pushing their drug of the week. Anyone got an answer?? I also want to know what long term effect could happen to him because of the range of meds he has been on over the yrs; i.e., tenex, ritalin, adderall, zoloft, wellbutrin, as well as others I cant recall at the moment.

Quote from moody1:

I'm new here, but I found a posting that hits me right at home. My 18 yr old has been on meds since he was 5 yrs old for ADHD. Now he is taking risperdal, strattera & lexapro. He is more depressed than I have ever seen him & has talked about suicide. We are going back to the psychiatrist, but my son is not willing to go on any other meds or have these ones played around with. He feels that if he goes off the meds, he will probably feel better. We haven't seen him unmedicated in over 13 yrs, so maybe he really doesn't need it anymore? What does happen to someone who should not be on anti-depressants, but takes them because the dr prescribes it? I'm am so afraid of how its going to affect him; will his behavior get worse before he gets better, will he get out of control, etc. The psych wont give us a straight answer because they are all in the pockets of the drug company pushing their drug of the week. Anyone got an answer?? I also want to know what long term effect could happen to him because of the range of meds he has been on over the yrs; i.e., tenex, ritalin, adderall, zoloft, wellbutrin, as well as others I cant recall at the moment.

Wow - that's a lot of drugs for a lot of time. Have you talked to the dr. about him not needing all these drugs and see if they can be reduced? Maybe it is time to get him off of some of them. If the doctor is not willing to listen and/or consider your wishes maybe it's time to start looking for another doctor?

Good luck!

Quote from moody1:

I'm new here, but I found a posting that hits me right at home. My 18 yr old has been on meds since he was 5 yrs old for ADHD. Now he is taking risperdal, strattera & lexapro. He is more depressed than I have ever seen him & has talked about suicide. We are going back to the psychiatrist, but my son is not willing to go on any other meds or have these ones played around with. He feels that if he goes off the meds, he will probably feel better. We haven't seen him unmedicated in over 13 yrs, so maybe he really doesn't need it anymore? What does happen to someone who should not be on anti-depressants, but takes them because the dr prescribes it? I'm am so afraid of how its going to affect him; will his behavior get worse before he gets better, will he get out of control, etc. The psych wont give us a straight answer because they are all in the pockets of the drug company pushing their drug of the week. Anyone got an answer?? I also want to know what long term effect could happen to him because of the range of meds he has been on over the yrs; i.e., tenex, ritalin, adderall, zoloft, wellbutrin, as well as others I cant recall at the moment.

sounds like he needs a better Doctor. make sure you tell him things WILL get better for him but its gonna take a little more time. that is alot of meds to take!
Good Luke and lets us no.;)

Brandy:wave: